Principal Thermal Engineer

Caterpillar Brazil; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Principal Thermal Engineer to advance thermal modeling and co-simulation for gas compressor systems. You will integrate data, perform CFD validations, and develop guidelines for material choices under extreme conditions, contributing to expanded operating envelopes.

The role requires a Master’s degree and substantial experience in thermal analysis, with proficiency in Ansys and Matlab. On-site work five days a week; competitive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Six years of direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
• Hands on experience with flow and heat transfer co-simulation and conjugate heat transfer simulation.
• Proficiency with Ansys Mechanical, Flownex, Ansys Fluent, Ansys CFX and Matlab.
• Knowledge of various steels and alloys and their high-temperature behavior.

Responsibilities

• Integrate seal-supplier data and test data to build co-simulation models.
• Perform analytical calculations and CFD validations to support designs.
• Conjugate Heat Transfer simulations of rapid decompression events to characterize temperatures.
• Establish temperature limits, flow requirements and guidelines for new seal tech.
• Collaborate with Rotordynamics, Aerodynamics and CLTF testing teams on test plans.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Conjugate heat transfer

CFD simulations

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Education

Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering

Tools

Ansys Mechanical

Ansys Fluent

Ansys CFX

Flownex

Matlab

Job description

Principal Thermal EngineerSkip to main contentThis site uses and sets \"cookies\" on your computer to help make this website better. You can learn more about these cookies and general information about how to change your cookie settings by clicking here. By continuing to use this site without changing your settings, you are agreeing to the use of our cookies.#Principal Thermal Engineer page is loaded## Principal Thermal EngineerApplylocations: San Diego, Californiatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 5 Days Agojob requisition id: R0000372462**Career Area:**Engineering**Job Description:****Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.**When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.Solar Turbines’ GCE Mechanical and Electrical Analysis (MEA) Group is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in thermal modeling and analysis to advance the thermal capability of Solar’s gas compressor product line. This role focuses on expanding compressor operating envelopes to cover high‐discharge‐temperature and low‐suction‐temperature applications through advanced modeling, simulation, and testing.**Job Functions:*** Integrate seal‐supplier flow/heat‐loss data and Solar closed‐loop test data to build and refine flow and heat‐transfer co‐simulation models. Map thermal profiles across discharge‐side subassemblies including balance pistons, dry gas seals, separation seals, and surrounding cavities.* Perform analytical calculations and, when required, CFD simulations to validate supplier flow/loss data. Develop guidelines for extrapolating predictions across seal sizes, types, and field operating conditions.* Conduct Conjugate Heat Transfer simulations of rapid decompression events to characterize temperature evolution in compressor casings and internal components. Provide recommendations for material selection based on thermal response.* Establish temperature limits, flow requirements, and pressure‐setting guidelines to support integration of new seal technologies and new suppliers to expand compressor operating envelope.* Partner with software vendors to enhance co‐simulation tool capabilities and evaluate new tools for improved flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency.* Work with Rotordynamics, Aerodynamics, and GCB CLTF testing teams to develop high‐discharge‐temperature test plans, implement loop modifications, and execute testing in the GCB closed‐loop facility.**Minimum Requirements*** Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.* Six years of direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.* Hands on experience with flow and heat transfer co-simulation and conjugate heat transfer simulation.* Strong Foundation in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Computational Fluid Dynamics.* Familiar with compressor thermal test instrumentation including RTD, thermal couples, flow transmitters, flow regulators and control valves.* Proficiency with Ansys Mechanical, Flownex, Ansys Fluent, Ansys CFX and Matlab.* Knowledge of various types of steel and alloys, for example, carbon and low alloy steels, stainless steel (austenitic and martensitic), and Nikel alloys, and their behavior across extreme temperatures.**Preferred Requirements*** PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering* Four years of additional direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.* Familiar Dry Gas Seal and Separation Seals technologies.* Understanding of polymers used in seal technology.* Experience reading and interpreting pipeline compression station P&IDs.* Proficiency with Siemens Star-CCM+.* Experience with Python Coding and Stress analysis using Ansys.### ### **Summary Pay Range:**$120,600.00 - $180,900.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.**Benefits:**Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.* Medical, dental, and vision benefits\\** Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)\\** 401(k) savings plans\\** Health Savings Account (HSA)\\** Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)\\** Health Lifestyle Programs\\** Employee Assistance Program\\** Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts\\** Career Development\\** Incentive bonus\\** Disability benefits* Life Insurance* Parental leave* Adoption benefits* Tuition Reimbursement \\* These benefits also apply to part-time employees### ### This position requires working onsite five days a week.### Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.**Posting Dates:**Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.